Blue Diamond Fillups formed in 2008 as a foot stomping, roots rocking, Americana based Rockabilly band. Blue Diamond's front man and vocalist, Michigan born Flash Ricketts, has an eclectic background, having performed in heavy rock and country bands. He also had his own early Elvis show band, called "Little Elvis and the Memphis Mafia", which performed in Nashville's prestigious Grand Ole Opry. It's hard not to focus on Flash when watching the band perform. His voice is catchy, and he effortlessly captures the spirit of rock and blues. This guy was born a "star"! Jonnie Zaentz is a Marin county guitarist with more than a decade long history of playing and touring the country. Zaentz's vision was to create a band that would perform the traditional rockabilly music in addition to incorporating a more original, raw and aggressive edge into their sound. He can be described as a passionate, rocking, kick-ass, musically muscle-packed kind of musician. The line-up also includes Berkeley resident Micheal Shiono, the band's Bass player. Raised in Vallejo Ca., Shionos' talent and technique is so stylized that it would be a pleasure to listen to him even without a band. Shionos' unique skill as a player provides the back bone for the band's rockin' sound. The rhythm section would not be complete without drummer, Mark Viada, based in the East Bay. Viada and Zaentz have a well established musical connection, having played together in a former band. His drumming is solid and tasty, helping to create a well-rounded rhythm section. Together, Viada and Shiono provide a strong foundation and an addicting back beat which would inspire anyone's ears. All members were influenced by artists such as Elvis, Ronnie Dawson, Johnny Cash and Brian Setzer, to name a few.
Blue Diamond Fillups is fun, and more fun!, This Rockabilly extravaganza will definitely leave you with that "Feel Good Feeling". It's not hard for this band to get a crowd up and dancing and they may even revive the popularity of the rockabilly sound as it so richly deserves! ..
